A/N: This is the revised version of 'Chapter 9: happy ending?'. Major scenes have been changed. Personally, I like this one better. Thanks to LadyTetsu69, Setsuna Eleison, SD avid Fan, andAsukachan. THANKS 4 TUNING IN AND GIVING REVIEWS!

After what the doctor said, he left. Shinobi is very thankful that the man she loves so much came back. But the question is will this man come back to her as well? Basing your answer on the way Rukawa is acting, you will surely say no. To make it short, Shinobi was back to square one. Although, square one doesn't seem to be the same. Before, it's her best friend who doesn't want to talk to her; now, after everything that happened, it's the man whom she wants to spend the rest of her life with.

Because of the current situation, Ayako was the one who talk to Rukawa about what happened the past weeks. She narrated to the younger lad everything that she knew about the personality-switch part of his life.

"So you see Rukawa, what you think is a dream really happened." Ayako finished.

As if there wasn't a shocking revelation said to him, Rukawa simply stood up from where he was sitting.

"Rukawa, where are you going?" Kogure asked.
"Out" he left the room as soon as that word came out of his mouth.
"Welcome, back…" Shinobi murmured.
"Yup, that's the Rukawa Kaede we all know." Mitsui said, pointing out the obvious.

Rukawa's thoughts: Whatever happened is in the past and I can't do anything about that. If the kind me has forgotten what she did and said to me, this me hasn't. If I know what's best for me – and I do – I'll just get the hell out of that house. End of Rukawa's thoughts.

Doing what he thinks is best, he moved back to his apartment. Shinobi, with Ayako's help, tried to settle everything with Rukawa. Guess what? Come on, take a guess… well, he was as stubborn as ever if not worse. After several tries, Shinobi decided to let Rukawa think for now, although Ayako didn't want to quit just yet. The latter believes that a little more push here and there, Rukawa will come and talk but Shinobi's point is that he might not have digested what had happened to him and she thinks a little more time can help and make things easier for both of them.

A couple of days later, there seemed to be no progress at all. This basketball practice that the team is having would be their last before they leave for the IH tomorrow. Akagi gave them a five-minute break and Shinobi took this as a chance to approach the Ice Prince one last time before they leave. She followed Rukawa outside the gym; he turned out to be getting himself a drink.

"Ready to talk now?" she asked
"…" was his reply ignoring her like she was a brick wall or something that's not worth for someone to waste even a single second.
"I was hoping that a couple of days would be enough for you to digest what had happened. If you need more time, then I understand. I'm willing to wait; I just want things back to what they once were."
"I don't." At last he spoke to her. But what he said isn't really what you call nice in this century. (One of my teachers once told me that in the 13th or 14th century, nice meant stupid! Hehehe)
"Why, not?" Shinobi was determined to get answers, even if they are monosyllabic. But to her disappointment, her so-called best friend answered her with an icy glare instead.
"Why Rukawa, why?" she whispered trying her best to prevent tears from flowing but she wasn't successful.
"Rukawa, back to practice!" Ayako called; she gasped in surprise at the scene that's in front of her.

Rukawa didn't give a damn and returned to the gym as if nothing happened. Ayako stayed there and asked for an explanation from Shinobi. The latter whole-heartedly told the story to her 'ane-chan'. When everything was made clear to Ayako…

"I know how irritated he gets with fan girls; now, I seem to be just like one. Do you think I'm forcing myself on him?" Shinobi asked.
"What? Your case is different. You've had a very strong relationship from the start. Something as precious as that should be treasured deeply; it doesn't come as often as we need it." Ayako answered. She knew how lucky Rukawa and Shinobi are for always having each other; it's totally a waste if it ends like that.
"You're wrong Aya-chan… I'm no different. I admit that I'm going to be so happy if things go back to what they once were, but deep inside I can't help but wish for something more than mere friendship."
"Now, I see it clearly… I just wonder why this happens to almost every girl in this freakin' school. Have you always felt like this?"
"I guess so. I mean, my feelings for him never changed or jumped into a higher level. I guess, I have always loved him but I haven't realized this until the accident. All the while I thought that he would always be my best friend, I never knew what he really meant in my life until…" she didn't want to continue.
"Why don't you confess? I think you'll make a very cute couple. Always remember that friends can be lovers." Ayako tried her best to cheer her up.
"I can't really say that we're in the 'friends' level right now… and besides, I… I'm… afraid of… rejection. I've always been like that. Outside I seem to be so strong, but I'm really a weakling."
"Don't worry… Everything would be fine. I'm giving my word on it." Ayako assured.
"Well, I guess there's nothing wrong with having high hopes. I just wish you're right." She sighed.

Ayako had a plan. She wouldn't let their story end up that way. About 7 in the evening, she sent a message to Rukawa thru text that says emergency meeting, school gym ASAP. Attendance is a must, esp. 2 d 5 main players! Basketball being the thing he valued most, he cycled back to Shohoku as fast as you can say Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! (Hehehe) After the SMS was sent, she sent one to Shinobi that says I'm still hir school; coach said he wud nid an assistant. I recommended you bcoz of ur experience… pls. come here n personally tell coach ur answer. Basketball was taught to Shinobi by Rukawa; as much she wanted to do things that will remind her of the good old days, so she merrily walked to Shohoku High.

When she arrived at the gym, no one was there except Rukawa. The latter himself was surprised to see Shinobi there.

"Have Anzai-sensei and Aya-chan left already?" she asked the boy.

Sensing that she didn't came to bug him he replied, "Practice ended early but Ayako called an emergency meeting few minutes ago."

"Hontou ni? Aya-chan told me that she and Anzai-sensei are waiting for me. I even saved the SMS. Here, take a look."
"That, no good…"
"Well, since you're here, I want to wish you luck in the IH games."
"Why are you so nice?" Rukawa suddenly asked.
"I don't think I need a reason." She smiled.
"What did want to say to me all this time?"
"Huh?"
"Don't play dumb, you know what I mean."

Shinobi took the chance and the mere fact that Rukawa is constructing complete sentences to tell the latter everything.

"Well, I just wanted to ask why you're so mad at me?"
"Honestly, graduation day I planned to tell you that I don't see you as a mere friend… but then you told me that you'll be away. So I decided to keep it to myself; I never really had hopes that we'll meet again."
"I'm sorry." She bowed in apology. "If only I wasn't so numb about my own feelings… none of these would ever happen."
"What?"
"I never realized that all those times, I was… I mean, am in love with you." She confessed.

Rukawa acted so out of his character that he gave Shinobi a very tight hug, an embrace that says 'you're finally mine'. He got so carried away that he tried to steal Shinobi's first kiss. But he was back to is composure before that happened.

"Hm… what's the matter?"
"I'm just disappointed…"
"Why?"
"I remembered that your first kiss has to be your husband."
"(smiles) Mr. Rukawa Kaede, I'm giving you the honors."

With that, he didn't hesitate to continue what he was about to do a while ago. They both cherished the moment together having a very BIG thanks reserved for Ayako.

A/N: FINISHED! Wahahahaha! I was just not satisfied with what I first came up with, so I had/wanted to revise… Again, sorry for the typos... THIS WAS NOT EDITED! (not again?)